Officers investigating hijackings and attempted hijackings across Belfast have made seven arrests in three months through Operation Galleas

Officers tackling car hijackings across Belfast have made seven arrests since Operation Galleas launched in November.

Police in Belfast have been working to tackle the issue of car crime with a focus on hijackings and attempted hijackings.

In November 2014, the PSNI established Operation Galleas, which has been supported by officers in the Auto Crime Team and officers working in the Reducing Offending Unit who focus on identified prolific offenders.

Between then and February 18, there have been 65 arrests right across Belfast, for vehicle related crime.

Of these 65 arrests, 21 were for criminal damage to cars, while seven arrests were specifically linked to hijacking incidents.

Within this same time frame there have been 47 reported incidents of hijackings and attempted hijackings.

Chief Inspector Anthony McNally said police are continuing to patrol vulnerable areas and to focus on known repeat offenders.